Such is the bond, enthusiasm and closeness of the squad that, on their suggestion, next season Brockham Badgers will field an U17 youth team for only the second time in the Club's history. It's a fitting tribute and testimony to a proud group of lads that are not only very close friends but also tremendous footballers. For me, it is a privilege to be associated with them all. I have taken so much pride and pleasure in their achievements, as I know they have.
HIGHLIGHTS
Cup Final
Lewis Evans' semi-final winning penalty
Goalkeeper Matt Parker’s stunning last minute free kick
Greg Cackett's first 20 minute hatrick whilst suffering sleep deprivation and hangover
Tom Bayliss' goal from 50 yards
Tom Ashley's spectacular dive (unfortunately 20 yards from the penalty area and nearest player)
LOW POINTS
Points deduction on an administrative technicality
Other than this – NONE!
PLAYER-BY-PLAYER
Tom ‘ The Diver’ Ashley – Midfield
Battles well, reliable and good passer of the ball. Tracks back and supports the team.
Tom ‘Terry’ Bayliss – Defender
Highlight of season, a tremendous halfway strike goal. Ruthless and competitive tackler.
Daniel ‘Mr Late’ Bryer – Attacker
Chases everything, never stops. Quick as lightning. Defender's nightmare
Robert ‘Ladies man’ Bates – Midfielder
Skilful and versatile. Slots into many positions. Scores tremendous goals
Gregory ‘ Pegory’ Cackett – Attacker
Goal machine. Solid, strong and powerful. Contributes in all areas
Alex ‘Bed Head’ Cannon – Midfielder
Could expect no more. Count on him to give that little extra. Quality player
Eddie ‘Akinbye’ Collins – Defender
Great central defender. Reads the game well. Very quick and aggressive
Tom ‘ The Machine’ Davies – Defender
Never stops, never gives up. Solid, commanding, unforgiving defender
Lewis ‘ The Tank’ Evans – Defender
Very strong and powerful. Excellent left foot. Penalty king
Tom ‘ Hinchy’ Hinchliffe – Midfielder
Versatile and tremendously skilful player. Good feet. Endless energy
Luke ‘Mr Speedo’ Kelly – Attacker
Very quick with excellent skills. Difficult to stay with when going forward
Darrell ‘ Twinkle Toes’ Mothee – Attacker
Brilliant feet. Very dependable and can always do the unexpected
Matt ‘ The Cat’ Parker – Goalkeeper
Made scoring debut this season. Very agile, very safe, very confident
Luke ‘ Pele’ Rowe - Defender
Debut season. Reads and watches the game superbly. Good positioning
Mike ‘ Mr Angry’ Yeates – Midfielder
Fierce competitor and tackler, battles every ball. Very skilful and quick
The next stage was Broadbridge Heath Stadium against the local team. They had won every single game that season, outclassing all, whilst also playing in a Division above Brockham. Brockham went 2-0 behind before pulling the game back. A game plan established weeks before produced a stunning performance in what was to be the lads’ finest hour. The quality of their football was most probably the best the squad had ever experienced. Despite losing 2-1, the opposing Manager complimented us by saying it was the toughest game they had ever played.
Sights were therefore set on the League Cup. Convincing wins set up a semi-final against Cranleigh, a Division above Brockham. After a close encounter, with extra time and then penalties in a nerve racking two hours of play, tremendous saves and strikes saw Brockham through to the Final.
For a group of lads, many of whom have been together almost ten years, this was to be their most successful season - a fitting tribute to the efforts and commitment of the whole squad. Previous to this year the silverware was restricted to a single Sportsmanship award but, by the end of the season, the lads could celebrate being Runners Up in both the Division and League Cup final.
The league campaign started in tremendous style. At one stage, six matches had been played without conceding. A measure of their progress was against one of their fiercest rivals. Playing Steyning three times in as many weeks (twice in the league and once in the cup), eighteen goals were scored and only three conceded.